Why You Should Dress Up When You’re Feeling Down

Need an instant pick-me-up? Check your closet! New research shows that what you wear has the ability to boost your mood (or bring you down). Check out these cool stats about what kind of clothes tend to have the biggest influence on your state of mind :

Want an excuse to stock up on sundresses? Women are ten times more likely to put on a favorite frock when they are in a good mood, as opposed to when they are feeling down, according to research from the University of Hertfordshire. Because of this, you might want to pull on a dress even when you’re feeling low. Putting on clothes that you associate with happy times can perk you up and put you in a more positive mindset, saving you from a grumpy day.

The most popular outfit for when we’re in a funk: jeans and a baggy top, according to the same study. When people are feeling down, they often try to hide themselves more by wearing loose clothing or dark colors. If you’re wearing old jeans just because you love ‘em, that’s totally fine, but if you’re wearing them because you’re feeling bad, it may only exacerbate your attitude.

The best accessory for any day: a smile! Your facial expression and the energy you give off may impact your mood even more than what you are wearing. Walk down the street with a grin on your face and you’re guaranteed to give-off (and receive!) feel-good vibes.

Dr. Catherine Birndorf is a psychiatrist specializing in women’s health, founding director of the Payne Whitney Women’s Program at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in NYC, co-author of The Nine Rooms of Happiness and SELF’s Happiness Expert.

Got an issue with your job, your boyfriend or your roommate? Dr. Birndorf can help! Write to her, and her advice for you could appear in a future blog or issue of SELF.